Could my cat be lonely?

Question

I have a one year old cat and she seems to get meaner every day. We try playing with her but she breaks all the toys we buy her and them hides the parts, we give her lots of love and attention when she will let us, but nothing seems to make it any difference.

I have had other animals in the house temporarily and she doesn't seem to like them but I don't know what else it could be. Maybe she's just a mean kitty, but I wonder if a companion would help calm her down and give her somewhere else to focus her energy. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

From what I understand, cats should have a companion. A lot of shelters won't let you adopt unless you take two. I'm not sure if your cat will ever like having another cat around being that they weren't raised together, they may only learn to tolerate each other. I knew someone with a similar problem and the cats still don't get along(it's been a year.)

Answer 2

Mean is unlikely--they don't mostly come in that flavor--although they can definitely have behavioral issues.  The destruction of the toys may be only excessively enthusiastic play--they are killers, be aware, so they can get carried away.  Also, them hiding may just be further effort to amuse herself.  They don't like boredom any more than you do.

Since cats are what I like to call selectively social--they like to do it on their terms--a companion might be a good idea, but it would be best if you let her pick the companion, so as to avoid incompatibility.  Or make the new addition a kitten, the closer to just-weaned, the better.  Cats accept babies much better than older cats, but you must be sure not to show partiality, especially to the younger feline, as this could cause serious jealousy.

And, for the sake of your home hygiene, you need to provide a litter box for each cat, plus a 'spare,' so as to avoid territorial disputes, and consequent toileting errors.  Another thing you need to know about cats is that they are highly autonomous, and sincerely resent being manhandled or overborn.  Your best course would be to make your approach, but back off if the cat seems unwilling to oblige.  Ignoring their expressed reluctance consistently can make them bad tempered, the same as it would you. If she never seems willing, try the misdirectional approach, by amusing yourself with one of her toys, paying no attention to her, and let her help herself to the toy and your time.  Giving her a bit more autonomy should much improve your relationship.

Answer 3

Behavioral problems are tough nuts to crack because you don't know what the problem is, only the cat does. But the cat can't talk and tell you what's wrong.

What kind of toys do you buy her? If they have parts that are easily broken, then I don't really think they are meant for her. Try toy mice, or jingly balls and set up a special time each day that is meant just for her. I can also suggest catnip which is very good for the mentality of the cat.

Most cats, in general, are loners. They tend to stick to themselves, or with other cats. Going to the human variety when they need their "lovin fix". She may be one of those types. This could be her way of telling you to back off.

Also, being only a year could be the source of the problem too. She's just a kid yet. A companion might be ok, but just make sure it is younger. Just like her. If you were looking for a playmate for your child who was 8, you wouldn't look to a 16 year old to be one. So the same applies to cats. The younger, the better.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Some cats like to stay to themselves theyll take a few pats and rubs then get bored and walk away..she'll come up to you when she wants attention...as far as a playmate that could work as well...my two cats love each other

Answer 5

It's only been a year. You have to be patient with cats.  

Answer 6

she need a nice friend to be with her so she can be happy

Answer 7

i wouldnt worry about it. its probably just a rather inderpendant cat. i have a cat and she's really inderpendant, she let you stroke her and stuff but then suddnly shell get annoyed and just walk away, she wontsit on laps or lie next to us, but shell sit near you, or lie at the end of the bed. so its like she does like us, and shes just a bit inderpendant.

but if the cat is still young getting another one might be ok.

Answer 8

Get her spayed if she's not yet, it should help with the aggression. And all cats are happier with a buddy. Go to your local shelter and try and find a young adult cat to keep her company. Just make sure they both get a lot of attention, don't just focus on the new kitty.

Answer 9

She may want her own toys.  Maybe smelling the other animal odor on the toys set her off to not playing.  Maybe be jealous.  Just try getting her new toys in packages, (not open ones in the store) and see if that works.  

Hope it helps  Peace